In a notable moment in Formula 1, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has received permission from retired Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo to adopt the iconic No.3 racing number ahead of the 2026 season. The announcement follows Ricciardo’s retirement at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2024, with the number previously reserved but unused until 2027 due to sporting regulations.
Verstappen, who has favored the No.3 since his karting days, reunited with Ricciardo at the Austin Grand Prix in 2025, where he personally requested the early release of the number. Ricciardo willingly agreed, allowing Verstappen to use the number without waiting an additional season.
The Background Behind the Number Change
The No.3 held by Ricciardo was locked for two full seasons after his retirement, as per Formula 1 rules, preventing any driver from using it immediately. Verstappen had been expected to revert to his previous race number, No.33, at the start of 2026 because, as the reigning world champion, he was required to run the No.1— a privilege this season given to Lando Norris and his McLaren team after Verstappen’s title defense ended.
However, a revision in sporting and technical regulations for 2026 introduced flexibility that permits drivers to alter their permanent racing numbers if they choose. This rule change facilitated Verstappen’s move to claim No.3 ahead of schedule.
Ricciardo Reflects on Passing the Number to Verstappen
Recalling their conversation in Austin, Ricciardo expressed his pleasure in passing on the No.3 to Verstappen. He noted the significance of the gesture for both their fans, who had supported them throughout their time as Red Bull teammates.
“I got to see Max recently, and with the number three thing, it is quite cool and a cool story for us,”
Ricciardo said.
“Also, for the fans of F1 who supported Max and I when we were teammates. So when I caught up with Max in Austin [in 2025], he mentioned that he wanted to take the number three.”
“Of course, I was very, very happy to say yes because otherwise he would have had to wait one more year, so it is a pleasure for me to pass that number on to him.”
What This Development Means for the 2026 Season
Starting with pre-season testing on February 11, 2026, Verstappen will officially sport No.3, including at the Australian Grand Prix scheduled for March 6-8. The return of this number marks the reemergence of a piece of Ricciardo’s legacy in Formula 1 and signifies an important personal milestone for Verstappen, connecting back to his early racing roots.
While the No.1 racing number will be displayed by McLaren’s Lando Norris throughout the 2026 season due to Verstappen not holding the reigning champion status, adopting No.3 symbolizes Verstappen’s identity and history in the sport. The number’s reactivation is both a tribute and a fresh chapter in Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
Looking Forward: Verstappen’s Next Chapter with No.3
This handover adds an additional layer of narrative to Verstappen’s racing career as he prepares to defend his standing with renewed numbers and rules. Fans and competitors alike will be watching how the number change impacts his image and performance in the upcoming races, with the Australian Grand Prix serving as an early test of the transition.
Given Ricciardo’s voluntary decision to pass on his iconic number and Verstappen’s longstanding preference, this change reflects both respect between former teammates and the evolving regulations shaping modern Formula 1.
